Anup Jalota To Lead 2.7 Lakh Hanuman Chalisa Chants In South Africa

Veteran bhajan singer Anup Jalota is set to lead more than 2.7 lakh collective chants of the Hanuman Chalisa in Durban, South Africa, on July 5 as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Chinmaya Movement. The event, organised by the Chinmaya Mission South Africa, marks one of the largest devotional gatherings of Jalota's career.

Speaking ahead of the event, Jalota said the gathering is about far more than numbers, expressing hope that participants leave with a sense of inner peace, spiritual connection and collective harmony. He will be joined on stage by his student, singer and actor Anuja Sahai, for the landmark celebration.

Reflecting on the changing music industry, Jalota observed that while every era has appreciated music differently, today's digital landscape places a greater emphasis on visibility than artistic depth. He said one of his biggest concerns for emerging artists is the growing pressure to achieve instant fame, warning that meaningful musical careers require patience, perseverance and time to evolve.

Jalota also addressed recent remarks by A. R. Rahman regarding alleged communal bias in the film industry. While acknowledging that every artist's journey is unique, he said he had not personally experienced such challenges during his own decades-long career, reiterating that "music belongs to everyone."

The devotional music icon also spoke about navigating moments of self-doubt, the expectations often placed on spiritual performers, and the role music has played in helping him overcome personal challenges. He said humility, faith and music's ability to unite people have remained the guiding forces throughout his career.